bivonic
03-12-2003, 04:07 PM
The following represent a fairly conclusive listing of the violations of United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) against Iraq. The listing was found here with the addition of UNSCR 660 by myself for reference purposes.
The highlights are 678, which authorized the use of force against Iraq, and 687, which authorized the destruction of all weapons of mass destruction & the creation of UNSCOM. All subsequent resolutions up to 1998 basically repeat the same theme that Iraq is in violation of 687. It’s almost comical when you actually read it. In 1998, UNSCR 1194 condemns Iraq for suspending inspections, UNSCR 1205 condemns Iraq for giving the inspectors the boot and UNSCR 1284 is a feeble attempt to cover the UN’s *** . In addition to these, there are 29 UN Security Council statements from the President of the UN Security Council regarding Saddam Hussein\'s continued violations of UNSCRs
Having read through these it becomes very apparent (at least to me) that the UN has no sack. Unfortunately, the wording of all these resolutions have no teeth and leave the entire issue in a gray area subject to interpretation. Most recently UNSCR 1441 is a prime example of this. I encourage all of you to read this resolution before responding to this post. In virtually ever paragraph, it seems to me that you could make a case for Iraq being in material breach of the resolution. Especially with the most recent threat by Iraq to down US spy planes, which appears to be a clear breach of paragraphs 7 & 8. The problem is paragraphs 11 & 12 are sufficiently ambiguous enough to leave open for interpretation two very important issues:
1. who determines what constitutes a material breach of the resolution and;
2. is another resolution required to authorize the use of force when a material breach has been determined.
As to the first issue, the United States & Britain contend that the facts determine a material breach, i.e. if we find a missile that exceeds the 150 km radius; there is a material breach. France, Russia & China contend that the chief weapons inspectors (Hans Blix & Mohamed El Baradei) have this ability. My personal opinion is that Iraq has enough proof against itself that it will never be in compliance with the UN resolutions. To me, change is effected from the top down in this instance. I think it is easily apparent that Iraq has been in material breach of virtually every resolution leveled against them so I contend that this point is moot. Move forward and quit debating whether he has violated the resolutions.
As to the second issue, it is rather open ended in the wording. While it does call for the Council to reconvene to address the issue of a material breech, it does not state that another resolution is required for the use of force thus opening the door to interpret that as meaning individual member states can act on their own. Again, the U.S. & Britain interpret this differently than the French, Russian & Chinese. No surprise but the thing that stands out was that France was the leader in changing this language from what was originally proposed. Regardless, I support the use of force to effect the changes needed to bring Iraq into compliance with UN resolutions stated below.
Absolutely none of these resolutions have been followed through. NONE. If you would like links to any of them, I’ll provide them but I’ve skimmed most of them and none of them have been followed as originally prescribed by the UN. Why would the world continue to sit back and let this happen? Why would the world continue to let the so-called governing body of the world sit and spin in it’s own incompetence? I agree with Bush in that this will prove the UN’s relevance to the world. Before this little exercise I really had no idea how ineffective this group had become and now contend whether they where ever that relevant to begin with. Ohm and I blame the US as much as any other nation for letting this get to where it is now. This issue should have been taking care of long ago. It is truly disappointing to see what pure bureaucracy can do to good intentions.
I encourage your agreements, dissents and “pics” (where applicable of course).
UNSCR 660 - August 2, 1990
·Condemns the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait;
·Demands that Iraqi withdraw immediately and unconditionally all its forces to the positions in which they were located on 1 August 1990;
·Calls upon Iraq and Kuwait to begin immediately intensive negotiations for the resolution of their differences and supports all efforts in this regard, and especially those of the League of Arab States;
·Decides to meet again as necessary to consider further steps with to ensure compliance with the present resolution.
UNSCR 678 - November 29, 1990
·Iraq must comply fully with UNSCR 660 \"and all subsequent relevant resolutions.\"
·Authorizes UN Member States \"to use all necessary means to uphold and implement resolution 660 and all subsequent relevant resolutions and to restore international peace and security in the area.\"
UNSCR 686 - March 2, 1991
·Iraq must release prisoners detained during the Gulf War.
·Iraq must return Kuwaiti property seized during the Gulf War.
·Iraq must accept liability under international law for damages from its illegal invasion of Kuwait.
UNSCR 687 - April 3, 1991
·Iraq must \"unconditionally accept\" the destruction, removal or rendering harmless \"under international supervision\" of all \"chemical and biological weapons and all stocks of agents and all related subsystems and components and all research, development, support and manufacturing facilities.\"
·Iraq must \"unconditionally agree not to acquire or develop nuclear weapons or nuclear-weapons-usable material\" or any research, development or manufacturing facilities.
·Iraq must \"unconditionally accept\" the destruction, removal or rendering harmless \"under international supervision\" of all \"ballistic missiles with a range greater than 150 KM and related major parts and repair and production facilities.\"
·Iraq must not \"use, develop, construct or acquire\" any weapons of mass destruction.
·Iraq must reaffirm its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
·Creates the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) to verify the elimination of Iraq\'s chemical and biological weapons programs and mandated that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verify elimination of Iraq\'s nuclear weapons program.
·Iraq must declare fully its weapons of mass destruction programs.
·Iraq must not commit or support terrorism, or allow terrorist organizations to operate in Iraq.
·Iraq must cooperate in accounting for the missing and dead Kuwaitis and others.
·Iraq must return Kuwaiti property seized during the Gulf War.
UNSCR 688 - April 5, 1991
·\"Condemns\" repression of Iraqi civilian population, \"the consequences of which threaten international peace and security.\"
·Iraq must immediately end repression of its civilian population.
·Iraq must allow immediate access to international humanitarian organizations to those in need of assistance.
UNSCR 707 - August 15, 1991
·\"Condemns\" Iraq\'s \"serious violation\" of UNSCR 687.
·\"Further condemns\" Iraq\'s noncompliance with IAEA and its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
·Iraq must halt nuclear activities of all kinds until the Security Council deems Iraq in full compliance.
·Iraq must make a full, final and complete disclosure of all aspects of its weapons of mass destruction and missile programs.
·Iraq must allow UN and IAEA inspectors immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access.
·Iraq must cease attempts to conceal or move weapons of mass destruction, and related materials and facilities.
·Iraq must allow UN and IAEA inspectors to conduct inspection flights throughout Iraq.
·Iraq must provide transportation, medical and logistical support for UN and IAEA inspectors.
UNSCR 715 - October 11, 1991
·Iraq must cooperate fully with UN and IAEA inspectors.
UNSCR 949 - October 15, 1994
·\"Condemns\" Iraq\'s recent military deployments toward Kuwait.
·Iraq must not utilize its military or other forces in a hostile manner to threaten its neighbors or UN operations in Iraq.
·Iraq must cooperate fully with UN weapons inspectors.
·Iraq must not enhance its military capability in southern Iraq.
UNSCR 1051 - March 27, 1996
·Iraq must report shipments of dual-use items related to weapons of mass destruction to the UN and IAEA.
·Iraq must cooperate fully with UN and IAEA inspectors and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access.
UNSCR 1060 - June 12, 1996
·\"Deplores\" Iraq\'s refusal to allow access to UN inspectors and Iraq\'s \"clear violations\" of previous UN resolutions.
·Iraq must cooperate fully with UN weapons inspectors and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access.
UNSCR 1115 - June 21, 1997
·\"Condemns repeated refusal of Iraqi authorities to allow access\" to UN inspectors, which constitutes a \"clear and flagrant violation\" of UNSCR 687, 707, 715, and 1060.
·Iraq must cooperate fully with UN weapons inspectors and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access.
·Iraq must give immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access to Iraqi officials whom UN inspectors want to interview.
UNSCR 1134 - October 23, 1997
·\"Condemns repeated refusal of Iraqi authorities to allow access\" to UN inspectors, which constitutes a \"flagrant violation\" of UNSCR 687, 707, 715, and 1060.
·Iraq must cooperate fully with UN weapons inspectors and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access.
·Iraq must give immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access to Iraqi officials whom UN inspectors want to interview.
UNSCR 1137 - November 12, 1997
·\"Condemns the continued violations by Iraq\" of previous UN resolutions, including its \"implicit threat to the safety of\" aircraft operated by UN inspectors and its tampering with UN inspector monitoring equipment.
·Reaffirms Iraq\'s responsibility to ensure the safety of UN inspectors.
·Iraq must cooperate fully with UN weapons inspectors and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access.
UNSCR 1154 - March 2, 1998
·Iraq must cooperate fully with UN and IAEA weapons inspectors and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access, and notes that any violation would have the \"severest consequences for Iraq.\"
UNSCR 1194 - September 9, 1998
·\"Condemns the decision by Iraq of 5 August 1998 to suspend cooperation with\" UN and IAEA inspectors, which constitutes \"a totally unacceptable contravention\" of its obligations under UNSCR 687, 707, 715, 1060, 1115, and 1154.
·Iraq must cooperate fully with UN and IAEA weapons inspectors, and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access.
UNSCR 1205 - November 5, 1998
·\"Condemns the decision by Iraq of 31 October 1998 to cease cooperation\" with UN inspectors as \"a flagrant violation\" of UNSCR 687 and other resolutions.
·Iraq must provide \"immediate, complete and unconditional cooperation\" with UN and IAEA inspectors.
UNSCR 1284 - December 17, 1999
·Created the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspections Commission (UNMOVIC) to replace previous weapon inspection team (UNSCOM).
·Iraq must allow UNMOVIC \"immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access\" to Iraqi officials and facilities.
·Iraq must fulfill its commitment to return Gulf War prisoners.
·Calls on Iraq to distribute humanitarian goods and medical supplies to its people and address the needs of vulnerable Iraqis without discrimination.
The highlights are 678, which authorized the use of force against Iraq, and 687, which authorized the destruction of all weapons of mass destruction & the creation of UNSCOM. All subsequent resolutions up to 1998 basically repeat the same theme that Iraq is in violation of 687. It’s almost comical when you actually read it. In 1998, UNSCR 1194 condemns Iraq for suspending inspections, UNSCR 1205 condemns Iraq for giving the inspectors the boot and UNSCR 1284 is a feeble attempt to cover the UN’s *** . In addition to these, there are 29 UN Security Council statements from the President of the UN Security Council regarding Saddam Hussein\'s continued violations of UNSCRs
Having read through these it becomes very apparent (at least to me) that the UN has no sack. Unfortunately, the wording of all these resolutions have no teeth and leave the entire issue in a gray area subject to interpretation. Most recently UNSCR 1441 is a prime example of this. I encourage all of you to read this resolution before responding to this post. In virtually ever paragraph, it seems to me that you could make a case for Iraq being in material breach of the resolution. Especially with the most recent threat by Iraq to down US spy planes, which appears to be a clear breach of paragraphs 7 & 8. The problem is paragraphs 11 & 12 are sufficiently ambiguous enough to leave open for interpretation two very important issues:
1. who determines what constitutes a material breach of the resolution and;
2. is another resolution required to authorize the use of force when a material breach has been determined.
As to the first issue, the United States & Britain contend that the facts determine a material breach, i.e. if we find a missile that exceeds the 150 km radius; there is a material breach. France, Russia & China contend that the chief weapons inspectors (Hans Blix & Mohamed El Baradei) have this ability. My personal opinion is that Iraq has enough proof against itself that it will never be in compliance with the UN resolutions. To me, change is effected from the top down in this instance. I think it is easily apparent that Iraq has been in material breach of virtually every resolution leveled against them so I contend that this point is moot. Move forward and quit debating whether he has violated the resolutions.
As to the second issue, it is rather open ended in the wording. While it does call for the Council to reconvene to address the issue of a material breech, it does not state that another resolution is required for the use of force thus opening the door to interpret that as meaning individual member states can act on their own. Again, the U.S. & Britain interpret this differently than the French, Russian & Chinese. No surprise but the thing that stands out was that France was the leader in changing this language from what was originally proposed. Regardless, I support the use of force to effect the changes needed to bring Iraq into compliance with UN resolutions stated below.
Absolutely none of these resolutions have been followed through. NONE. If you would like links to any of them, I’ll provide them but I’ve skimmed most of them and none of them have been followed as originally prescribed by the UN. Why would the world continue to sit back and let this happen? Why would the world continue to let the so-called governing body of the world sit and spin in it’s own incompetence? I agree with Bush in that this will prove the UN’s relevance to the world. Before this little exercise I really had no idea how ineffective this group had become and now contend whether they where ever that relevant to begin with. Ohm and I blame the US as much as any other nation for letting this get to where it is now. This issue should have been taking care of long ago. It is truly disappointing to see what pure bureaucracy can do to good intentions.
I encourage your agreements, dissents and “pics” (where applicable of course).
UNSCR 660 - August 2, 1990
·Condemns the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait;
·Demands that Iraqi withdraw immediately and unconditionally all its forces to the positions in which they were located on 1 August 1990;
·Calls upon Iraq and Kuwait to begin immediately intensive negotiations for the resolution of their differences and supports all efforts in this regard, and especially those of the League of Arab States;
·Decides to meet again as necessary to consider further steps with to ensure compliance with the present resolution.
UNSCR 678 - November 29, 1990
·Iraq must comply fully with UNSCR 660 \"and all subsequent relevant resolutions.\"
·Authorizes UN Member States \"to use all necessary means to uphold and implement resolution 660 and all subsequent relevant resolutions and to restore international peace and security in the area.\"
UNSCR 686 - March 2, 1991
·Iraq must release prisoners detained during the Gulf War.
·Iraq must return Kuwaiti property seized during the Gulf War.
·Iraq must accept liability under international law for damages from its illegal invasion of Kuwait.
UNSCR 687 - April 3, 1991
·Iraq must \"unconditionally accept\" the destruction, removal or rendering harmless \"under international supervision\" of all \"chemical and biological weapons and all stocks of agents and all related subsystems and components and all research, development, support and manufacturing facilities.\"
·Iraq must \"unconditionally agree not to acquire or develop nuclear weapons or nuclear-weapons-usable material\" or any research, development or manufacturing facilities.
·Iraq must \"unconditionally accept\" the destruction, removal or rendering harmless \"under international supervision\" of all \"ballistic missiles with a range greater than 150 KM and related major parts and repair and production facilities.\"
·Iraq must not \"use, develop, construct or acquire\" any weapons of mass destruction.
·Iraq must reaffirm its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
·Creates the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) to verify the elimination of Iraq\'s chemical and biological weapons programs and mandated that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verify elimination of Iraq\'s nuclear weapons program.
·Iraq must declare fully its weapons of mass destruction programs.
·Iraq must not commit or support terrorism, or allow terrorist organizations to operate in Iraq.
·Iraq must cooperate in accounting for the missing and dead Kuwaitis and others.
·Iraq must return Kuwaiti property seized during the Gulf War.
UNSCR 688 - April 5, 1991
·\"Condemns\" repression of Iraqi civilian population, \"the consequences of which threaten international peace and security.\"
·Iraq must immediately end repression of its civilian population.
·Iraq must allow immediate access to international humanitarian organizations to those in need of assistance.
UNSCR 707 - August 15, 1991
·\"Condemns\" Iraq\'s \"serious violation\" of UNSCR 687.
·\"Further condemns\" Iraq\'s noncompliance with IAEA and its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
·Iraq must halt nuclear activities of all kinds until the Security Council deems Iraq in full compliance.
·Iraq must make a full, final and complete disclosure of all aspects of its weapons of mass destruction and missile programs.
·Iraq must allow UN and IAEA inspectors immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access.
·Iraq must cease attempts to conceal or move weapons of mass destruction, and related materials and facilities.
·Iraq must allow UN and IAEA inspectors to conduct inspection flights throughout Iraq.
·Iraq must provide transportation, medical and logistical support for UN and IAEA inspectors.
UNSCR 715 - October 11, 1991
·Iraq must cooperate fully with UN and IAEA inspectors.
UNSCR 949 - October 15, 1994
·\"Condemns\" Iraq\'s recent military deployments toward Kuwait.
·Iraq must not utilize its military or other forces in a hostile manner to threaten its neighbors or UN operations in Iraq.
·Iraq must cooperate fully with UN weapons inspectors.
·Iraq must not enhance its military capability in southern Iraq.
UNSCR 1051 - March 27, 1996
·Iraq must report shipments of dual-use items related to weapons of mass destruction to the UN and IAEA.
·Iraq must cooperate fully with UN and IAEA inspectors and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access.
UNSCR 1060 - June 12, 1996
·\"Deplores\" Iraq\'s refusal to allow access to UN inspectors and Iraq\'s \"clear violations\" of previous UN resolutions.
·Iraq must cooperate fully with UN weapons inspectors and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access.
UNSCR 1115 - June 21, 1997
·\"Condemns repeated refusal of Iraqi authorities to allow access\" to UN inspectors, which constitutes a \"clear and flagrant violation\" of UNSCR 687, 707, 715, and 1060.
·Iraq must cooperate fully with UN weapons inspectors and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access.
·Iraq must give immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access to Iraqi officials whom UN inspectors want to interview.
UNSCR 1134 - October 23, 1997
·\"Condemns repeated refusal of Iraqi authorities to allow access\" to UN inspectors, which constitutes a \"flagrant violation\" of UNSCR 687, 707, 715, and 1060.
·Iraq must cooperate fully with UN weapons inspectors and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access.
·Iraq must give immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access to Iraqi officials whom UN inspectors want to interview.
UNSCR 1137 - November 12, 1997
·\"Condemns the continued violations by Iraq\" of previous UN resolutions, including its \"implicit threat to the safety of\" aircraft operated by UN inspectors and its tampering with UN inspector monitoring equipment.
·Reaffirms Iraq\'s responsibility to ensure the safety of UN inspectors.
·Iraq must cooperate fully with UN weapons inspectors and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access.
UNSCR 1154 - March 2, 1998
·Iraq must cooperate fully with UN and IAEA weapons inspectors and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access, and notes that any violation would have the \"severest consequences for Iraq.\"
UNSCR 1194 - September 9, 1998
·\"Condemns the decision by Iraq of 5 August 1998 to suspend cooperation with\" UN and IAEA inspectors, which constitutes \"a totally unacceptable contravention\" of its obligations under UNSCR 687, 707, 715, 1060, 1115, and 1154.
·Iraq must cooperate fully with UN and IAEA weapons inspectors, and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access.
UNSCR 1205 - November 5, 1998
·\"Condemns the decision by Iraq of 31 October 1998 to cease cooperation\" with UN inspectors as \"a flagrant violation\" of UNSCR 687 and other resolutions.
·Iraq must provide \"immediate, complete and unconditional cooperation\" with UN and IAEA inspectors.
UNSCR 1284 - December 17, 1999
·Created the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspections Commission (UNMOVIC) to replace previous weapon inspection team (UNSCOM).
·Iraq must allow UNMOVIC \"immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access\" to Iraqi officials and facilities.
·Iraq must fulfill its commitment to return Gulf War prisoners.
·Calls on Iraq to distribute humanitarian goods and medical supplies to its people and address the needs of vulnerable Iraqis without discrimination.